Soccer season kicks off in Crofton

School starting and temperatures slipping downward could only mean one thing: Crofton soccer has started!

On any given day, you can catch kids out practicing on the fields over at Crofton Woods and Crofton elementary schools, Crofton Middle School and over at Cardinal Field.

The season starts Saturday for our county teams, on Sept. 19 for our intramural teams. If you like soccer and want to see up-and-coming stars, stop by the games and cheer the little guys and gals on.

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The Multisport Sports School will hold tryouts for its competitive teams through Sept. 12. The school captured three national titles in sports acrobatics and tumbling, 14 regional titles in trampoline and were state finalists in gymnastics in 1992.

For more information, call 722-0414.

* If the competitive teams are not for you, why not try the fall classes that will start Sept. 14? Classes include gymnastics, karate, dance, trampoline, tumbling, cheerleading stunts, fitness and pre-school motor skills. To register or for a class schedule, call 721-0414.

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The Greater Crofton Newcomers Club held its annual new members tea last week. If you are new to the area and missed the tea, but would like to become involved in one or all of the club's groups -- including gourmet, book, moms and tots and the lunch bunch -- you can call Anna O'Kelly at 721-6435 for further information.

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Registration for the fall session of the US Kids support groups is being held at Prince of Peace Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.

Children ages 6-13 from families dealing with separation, divorce or remarriage will meet in small peer groups led by professional counselors. Parents will meet simultaneously in single parent support groups. The weekly sessions begin Sept. 14.

For more information, call Janis Thompson at 721-2313.

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Crofton Woods Elementary School is having its open house starting at 7:18 tonight.

The school is on Urby Drive. Stop by and meet your child's teachers.

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The Crofton Country Club has begun two new tennis programs for area players, or those who would like to learn. The new junior tennis academy will feature four students per court, with more advanced play and coaching.

The program is open to members and non-members; club members receive a 10 percent discount. Rates will vary depending on what class you sign up for, so you need to contact the club at 721-3111.

The director of tennis, Jim Lopez, is a U.S. Professional Tennis Association Level 1 certified teaching professional. He has been awarded Coach of the Year honors from the Miami Herald five times.

Lopez is a USTA player development coach for the Baltimore area training center and the Mid-Atlantic Tennis Association.

* The first Crofton Country Club/Wilson Fall Junior Tennis classic is open to all high school players, USTA-ranked juniors and all other juniors who play on a team.

The tournament will be Oct. 16-18 for both boys and girls. The cost will be $15 singles, $8 for doubles. The club is on Route 3, between routes 424 and 450, near Lake Louise.

For further details, call 721-3111.

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Betty Asplund of Hospice of the Chesapeake will be the guest speaker at tomorrow's meeting of the Crofton Kiwanis Club. The meeting begins at 8 p.m. in the Kiwanis Activity Room at the Crofton Country Club, off Crofton Parkway.

Ms. Asplund will give an overview of the hospice and will discuss the camp that she developed to assist bereaved children in understanding their emotions and coping with the death of a loved one.

* Don't forget that the Kiwanis Club is still collecting items for its annual garage sale set for Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. next to the Dunkin' Donuts on Route 3.

Volunteers will be at Shurgard Storage Center on Route 3 North from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday to collect donations of housewares, bikes, books, toys, hand-made wares, electrical appliances and small furniture. They are not accepting clothing or large furniture.

Anyone with a contribution should call Pat Wilson at 261-0364.

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St. Paul's Lutheran Church on Route 450 holds services at 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Sundays, with Holy Communion every other Sunday at 8:30 a.m.

An informal service is held at 5 p.m. Saturdays, with Holy Communion on the first Saturday of the month. Sunday school and Bible class will start at 9:30 a.m. this Sunday, with a rally and job fair.

The PSTA will hold a brief business meeting before the back-to-school program. The evening will provide the opportunity to visit each of your child's classes, meet the teachers and receive information about this year's instructional program.

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If you are a member of the Crofton Athletic Association, tonight is the night to have your say in who will be sitting on the board of directors.